European Eel Fishing UK

The European Eel is unmistakable. It possesses a long, cylindrical, snake-like body covered in a thick layer of protective slime. A key feature is the single, continuous fin that runs from the back, around the tail, and along the belly, combining the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins. It lacks pelvic fins entirely. The head is small with an underslung jaw filled with tiny, sharp teeth. Colouration varies with life stage; 'yellow eels' are olive-brown, while maturing 'silver eels' develop a silvery flank and darker back in preparation for their oceanic migration. Lampreys, which can look similar, have a circular sucker mouth and gill pores instead of a jaw and gill slits.

Eels are exceptionally adaptable and historically inhabited almost every type of freshwater and estuarine environment in the UK, from tiny streams and farm ponds to vast rivers, lakes, and canals. They are masters of concealment, preferring to live within dense weed beds, among submerged tree roots, under rocks, or buried in the silt and mud of the bed. They are largely nocturnal, emerging from cover at night to hunt. Though tolerant of a wide range of conditions, their populations are now severely depleted and fragmented across their former range due to barriers to migration and other environmental pressures.

Eels are nocturnal carnivores and highly effective scavengers. Their diet is broad, consisting of small fish like roach and gudgeon, fish fry, and invertebrates such as caddis larvae and snails. They are also known to eat fish eggs and crustaceans like freshwater crayfish. Larger eels will actively hunt for prey fish but will also readily consume any carrion they find on the bottom, using their exceptional sense of smell to locate food in darkness or murky water.

1. Jan – quieter
2. Feb – quieter
3. Mar – quieter
4. Apr – quieter
5. May – quieter
6. Jun – good
7. Jul – good
8. Aug – good
9. Sep – good
10. Oct – quieter
11. Nov – quieter
12. Dec – quieter

The traditional coarse fish close season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive on all rivers, streams, and drains in England and Wales. Some canals and stillwaters may also have a statutory close season.

Historically, when eel fishing was legal, anglers targeted them using simple, robust legering tactics, typically at night. Baits like lobworms or dead fish sections were presented on the bottom using a running lead. Due to the eel's small, toothy mouth and habit of deeply swallowing baits, strong, long-shanked hooks were favoured. Wire traces were often necessary to prevent bite-offs from their sharp teeth and to withstand their powerful, twisting fight. However, the European Eel is now critically endangered. It is illegal to fish for them. Any eel caught by accident must be unhooked with care, preferably in the water or on a wet mat, and returned immediately. Anglers must not use keepnets or keepsacks for eels.

The European eel is critically endangered. In England and Wales you may fish for eels with a rod and line, but every eel caught must be returned alive straight away, and some fisheries and byelaws ban targeting them altogether, so check local rules first. Use strong tackle and unhook quickly to avoid harming the fish. You must hold a valid Environment Agency rod licence to fish in England and Wales, and Scottish and Northern Irish rules differ.

Rules change. Check current Environment Agency, NRW or Scottish regulations and the venue's own rules before fishing. Not professional or legal advice.

Counties with european eel recorded on Tackl: Essex (5), Lincolnshire (2), Norfolk (2), East Sussex (1), West Sussex (1), Somerset (1), Gloucestershire (1), Greater London (1), Devon (1), North Yorkshire (1), Nottinghamshire (1).

Where to fish in the UK · Fishing conditions today

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  NGT Cradle

  £60.00

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  Korda Subline Tapered mainline

  £8.00

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  Insight

  £17.00

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  Gardner tiger line 20lb 1000m

  £120.00

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  Insight GR60 x

  £20.00

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  E-sox Hooks Treble semi barbbed extra long

  £5.50

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  E-sox Hooks Treble bait trace

  £2.75

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  E-sox Hooks Treble 8 & 6

  £2.25

• Coarse Fishing Close Season: When and Where You Can Fish in England & Wales
• Fish Catch and Size Limits in England & Wales: What You Can Keep
• Fishing Conditions Explained: How Weather Affects Fish
• Fishing Tackle Rules in England & Wales: Rods, Bait, Lead and Nets
• Rod Fishing Licence UK: Prices, Types, Rod Limits and How to Buy (2026)
• The Moon and Fishing: Phases, Solunar Theory and What Actually Matters